Cotton Skies [CD]

"Musicality, poise and ingenuity... Saunders is the real deal... a jazz vocalist with a big future."

"Fine debut album - an improvisational freedom that is rare"

"Emerging vocal star Saunders... a seductive, silky-smooth voice"

"Saunders' debut album, Cotton Skies, moves like a belt of high pressure to give us a subtropical Indian summer, with limpid Brazilian rhythms, breathy vocals and fine melodies."

An exciting 7 piece band led by a talented singer: Emily Saunders has been making quite an impression with her creative combination of wordless jazz originals, Brazilian melodies and Jazz standards, and has recently reached the Keep An Eye On Jazz European Soloist Final in Amsterdam. While staying true to her unique sound she also evokes the brilliance of the jazz greats, using her voice to create a distinctive, instrumental approach to the music. Not surprisingly her band contains some of the finest young players around, consisting of a two trumpet front line and rhythm section. This combination of voice and horns creates a fascinating and unique sound, creating complex soundscapes of colours contrasting with delicate, sensuous melodies. Emily leads an explosive line-up of two trumpets, featuring Byron Wallen "one of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive" (Jazzwise Magazine) and Nick Walters, Bruno Heinen (piano), Larry Bartley (bass), Jon Scott (drums) and Chris Wells (percussion). Fascinating CD from a genuinely creative performer and well worth checking out.